Gravante G, Di Fede MC, Araco A, Grimaldi M, De Angelis B, Arpino A, Cervelli V, Montone A, et al.
Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries. Date of publication 2007 Dec 1;volume 33(8):966-72.
1. Burns. 2007 Dec;33(8):966-72. Epub 2007 Sep 29.
A randomized trial comparing ReCell system of epidermal cells delivery versus
classic skin grafts for the treatment of deep partial thickness burns.
Gravante G(1), Di Fede MC, Araco A, Grimaldi M, De Angelis B, Arpino A, Cervelli
V, Montone A.
Author information:
(1)Department of Surgery, University of Tor Vergata in Rome, via U. Maddalena
40/a, 00043 Ciampino, and Burn Center S. Eugenio Hospital, Roma, Italy.
ggravante@hotmail.com
BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to directly compare results obtained with the ReCell
system and the classic skin grafting for epidermal replacement in deep partial
thickness burns.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited all patients with deep partial thickness
burns admitted at the Burn Centre of S. Eugenio Hospital in Rome over 2 years.
Enrollment was conducted with a controlled strategy--sampling chart--that allowed
homogeneous groups (ReCell and skin grafting) for age, gender, type of burns and
total burn surface area (TBSA). We evaluated as primary endpoints of the study
the (i) time for complete epithelization (both treated area and biopsy site) and
(ii) aesthetic and functional quality of the epithelization (color, joint
contractures). Secondary endpoints were the assessment of infections,
inflammations or any adverse effects of the ReCell procedure, particular
medications assumed, postoperative pain.
RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were analyzed in two homogeneous groups. All of them
received adequate epidermal replacement, but skin grafting was faster than ReCell
(p<0.05). On the contrary, ReCell biopsy areas and postoperative pain were
smaller than classic grafting (p<0.05). The aesthetic and functional outcomes
were similar between procedures.
CONCLUSIONS: ReCell is a feasible, simple and safe technique. It gives similar
results to skin grafting but, harvesting minor areas, can open possible future
applications in the management of large-burns patients.
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2007.04.011
PMID: 17904748 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
